San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets final score: Rockets beat Spurs 97-90

The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 97-90 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.  The Rockets improved to 30-17, and the Spurs fell to 33-12.

Dwight Howard scored 23 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Rockets defeated their instate rival for the third time this season.

With just over a minute to go in the fourth, Howard tipped a rebound to a teammate, and Jeremy Lin finished the play with a bank shot to give the Rockets a 94-88 lead with 48 seconds to go.

After a Tim Duncan tip shot, Lin sank two free throws to give the Rockets a six-point lead with 34 seconds left.  The Spurs were unable to make a three-pointer in the final seconds to make it a one possession game, and Dwight Howard hit one of two free throws to give the Rockets a 97-90 win.

Houston top performers: Dwight Howard see above.  Terrence Jones scored 21 points along with nine rebounds.  Jeremy Lin had 18 points, eight assists, and three rebounds.  Patrick Beverly finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

San Antonio top performers: Boris Diaw scored 22 points along with 11 boards and four assists.  Tony Parker netted 17 points and dropped four dimes.  Tim Duncan secured a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.  Marco Belinelli finished with 11 points and and two assists.

Next game: Houston plays at Dallas tomorrow at 8:30 pm ET.  San Antonio plays at Chicago tomorrow on ESPN at 9:30 pm ET.

Please follow us on Twitter @FanSided, and “like” our page on Facebook.